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Conceived and directed by Charles O. Anderson
Presented in partnership with Texas Performing Arts and Fusebox Festival
(Re)current Unrest is an immersive performance installation ‘ritual’ built on the sonic foundation of Steve Reich’s three earliest works: It’s Gonna Rain (parts 1 and 2), Come Out and Pendulum. This work, originally performed live as part of the Texas Theatre and Dance 2020/2021 Season in October 2020, returns to the screen for a limited time. Available on-demand November 22-23, (Re)current Unrest utilizes movement, media and powerful imagery to meditate on the “American Dream” and Black nihilism, borne of the current racially charged moment.
An investigation of legacy, authorship and the history of Black art and protest through the lens of the erasure of the Africanist presence in Reich’s compositions, (Re)current Unrest explores the kinesthetic state of unrest - the condition of unease, discontent and social disturbance. This physical state of agitation represents “staying woke.” To stay woke refers to an intangible level of awareness about community issues and social justice.
Contains mature content and themes. Suitable for audiences 17+.
(Re)current Unrest will be available on-demand for a limited time only and access will only be possible November 22-23, 2020. There are no set performance times to view on-demand content.
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In an effort to promote accessibility, all Texas Theatre and Dance performances in the 2020/2021 Season will be available at pay-what-you-can pricing. We welcome all communities during these difficult times and encourage those who are able to lend their support to ensure the continuation of the arts for future generations.
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Charles O. Anderson, a native of Richmond, Virginia, is the head of the dance program and producing artistic director of the B.F.A. dance company, Dance Repertory Theatre at The University of Texas at Austin as well as artistic director of the critically-acclaimed afro-contemporary dance theatre company, dance theatre X (founded in 2003). He received his M.F.A. in Dance from Temple University (2002) in Philadelphia where he lived previously. Among his achievements in afro-contemporary choreography and dance theatre, Anderson was selected as one of "25 Artists to watch" by Dance Magazine and is a Pew Fellowship in the Arts recipient. His choreography, set upon undergraduate students, has been nationally showcased twice at the John f. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts through the American College Dance Association and he has also been recognized for outstanding achievement in experimental dance theatre by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
Texas Theatre and Dance is pleased to present a truly unique 2020/2021 Season to meet these exceptional and unprecedented times. The power of theatre transcends the stage through a collection of digital performances, including a powerful exploration of social justice through contemporary dance, heartbreaking stories of loss across the border, an investigation of humanity and technology through movement and a series of all-new works presented as part of UTNT (UT New Theatre).
In addition, Texas Theatre and Dance is a proud participant of The JUBILEE, a year-long, nationwide theatre festival featuring work generated by those who have traditionally been excluded – including, but not limited to artists of color, Native American and Indigenous and First Nations artists, women, non-binary and gender non-conforming artists, LGBTQIA2+ artists, Deaf artists and artists with disabilities.
Above all, we are committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and audiences. Due to the uncertain nature of our current times, all performances dates, times and presentation details may be subject to change. We plan to offer clear and frequent communication regarding updates related to performances and our plans to ensure safety for our shared community.
Thank you for your continued support of Texas Theatre and Dance.
(Re)current Unrest is made possible in part by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Poster design and image from (Re)current Unrest: Clapback by Lawrence Peart; Photo from (Re)current Unrest: In D'Nile by Chian-ann Lu
